Is Boudoir Photography Safe?
/The answer to this is yes… and no… or, rather, maybe. Let me explain.
Unlike other genres, Boudoir photography is generally a private, intimate experience. Sessions usually occur in a studio, hotel room, or other secluded area away from the general public. You are (generally) posing in minimal clothing, changing between outfits, and generally in a pretty vulnerable state. So, yes, taking these simple things into account, Boudoir photography CAN be dangerous.
Unless you do your homework.
Some things that you should do/consider before booking a session with a boudoir photographer:
Look at their portfolio of work.
What do you think of their posing style? Is it more risque than you are looking for? Or would you be comfortable in those poses in front of another person? Do their photos LOOK alike? Are the editing styles similar? Are the matching props/backdrops?
I mention all of this because it is VERY easy to steal another photographer’s work and call it your own. If you are reviewing a boudoir photographer’s online presence and their photos don’t flow together, and look like they could have come from different people, be wary.
Meet them in person or speak with them on the phone.
Do you feel comfortable with this person? Are there any red flags going off for you? Trust your intuition if something feels “off”. There are lots of boudoir photographers out there… if this one doesn’t feel right, and you don’t feel comfortable, find another one!
Ask around/Read reviews.
Do you have a friend who had a positive experience with a boudoir session? Find out which photographer she used! Read reviews online for the photographer that you’re considering. Ask around about them. Maybe your friend hasn’t used them for a session, but knows someone who did. The first time that I had my photos taken I chose a photographer who had done a friend’s wedding photos… not the same type of session, but I felt more at ease having a personal recommendation in general!
Ask if you can bring a friend with you.
So, let me preface this by saying that some photographers have rules about who they allow in the studio during a session. I, personally, ask that romantic partners not be in attendance for a solo session. It can just make things weird and I don’t do THAT type of photography. I also don’t allow children to be present during boudoir sessions. However, I certain welcome a friend, sister, mother, aunt, or other support person! Having another person can help put you at ease… and also is great if I need someone to hold something for me. ;)
5. Do a little recon on the location of the session.
Will the session be in a hotel? Studio? The photographer’s home? How do you feel about that? Do you feel safe in that space? Always tell someone where you will be… though, I feel like this is just common practice for women traveling solo in general.
What other questions do you have? What did I miss? I’d love to keep this post updated, so definitely comment below or send me a message if you think there’s something that should be added!